Tofu Taco Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

By: Author Joy Shull

Posted on Last updated:

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These easy tofu tacos with homemade tofu taco meat make the best vegetarian dinner recipe!

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Mexican inspired meals are one of my favorite dinners since I became a vegetarian.

There are endless options like vegetarian stuffed peppers, mexican rice casserole, vegetarian enchiladas, and burrito bowls.

These tofu tacos are another great meatless dinner that comes together in minutes.

If you haven’t made tofu taco crumbles before, don’t be afraid!

This method is so easy that anyone can make it, whether or not you are a tofu newbie.

This smoky browned tofu taco meat is simply delicious and makes the perfect meat substitute.

Serve these tofu crumbles on any kind of taco with your favorite toppings!

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Tofu Tacos Recipe Ingredients

  • extra firm tofu: drained and patted dry. No pressing necessary!
  • olive oil
  • soy sauce
  • taco seasoning
  • soft or hard tacos
  • toppings of choice: sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, etc
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How to make tofu taco meat

Step 1: Drain the extra firm tofu and pat it dry.

There is no need to press it.

Step 2: Heat the oil and soy sauce in a skillet.

Use your hands to crumble the tofu into the skillet, leaving some larger pieces for texture.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the crumbled tofu.

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Step 3: Saute the tofu taco crumbles on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges.

Let the tofu sit in 2-3 minute increments throughout the cook time without stirring in order for it to brown and get those yummy crispy bits.

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That’s it! It’s really such a cinch to throw together and so flavorful.

We serve these family style so that everyone can build their toppings of choice.

Topping Ideas for Tofu Tacos

  • fresh diced tomatoes or avocado
  • homemade salsa
  • guacamole
  • queso blanco
  • fresh chopped cilantro
  • chopped lettuce
  • tamed jalapeños
  • fresh squeezed lime juice
  • sour cream
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This was such an easy recipe to throw together for taco night and everyone loved it!

While I sometimes buy the meatless crumbles from the grocery store, this tofu taco meat was quite a nice change.

I prefer to use the taco seasoning packets vs making my own taco seasoning as I find it makes it taste more similar to ground beef taco meat.

If you have a great taco seasoning recipe you could also use that!

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Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Don’t forget to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

More Tofu Recipes we love

  • Tofu Mexican Rice Casserole
  • Enchilada Tofu Burrito Bowls
  • Teriyaki Tofu
  • Tofu Wraps
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Be sure to pin this recipe for later and followBuild Your Bite on Pinterestfor all the latest delicious recipes!

Other ways to serve Tofu Taco Crumbles

  • Enchiladas: Roll this tofu meat up inside flour tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and shredded mexican cheese and bake at 350 until bubbly and melted.
  • Tofu Nachos: Serve this up with tortilla chips covered in tofu crumbles, melted gooey cheese, and all the fixins on top
  • Burrito Bowls: make a burrito bowl with rice or cilantro lime cauliflower rice, fajita veggies, guac, and any other toppings of choice!

How to store leftover Tofu Taco Meat

Store leftover tofu taco meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Does Tofu Taco Meat freeze well?

Tofu taco crumbles can be cooked and frozen for up to 3 months. You can thaw the tofu meat in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before heating.

Reheating Tofu Tacos

Reheat leftover tofu taco meat in a skillet with a splash of oil until warmed through and crispy.

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Tofu Taco Recipe FAQs

What makes Tofu taste like meat?

The cooking method and seasonings used can make tofu taste more like meat, especially frying crumbled tofu pieces in a skillet until browned and crispy.
Keep in mind that tofu does not taste exactly like meat. Tofu does not really have a flavor of its own, and instead absorbs any seasonings or marinades that you add to it.

Try this recipe the next time you need a quick dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Gluten free, vegetarian or vegan friendly, and so yummy.

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a star rating below!

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Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

These tofu tacos with homemade tofu taco meat are a delicious meatless meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • Soft or hard taco shells

For the tofu taco meat

  • 14 oz extra firm tofu, drained and patted dry (no need to press it)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

Topping ideas

  • sour cream
  • cilantro
  • tomatoes
  • pice de gallo
  • salsa
  • avocado slices
  • guacamole
  • fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and soy sauce in a large skillet
  2. Use your hands to crumble the tofu into the skillet. Leave some larger pieces for texture.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the tofu
  4. Saute on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until browned and crispy on the edges. Let the tofu sit in 2-3 minute increments throughout the cookstime without stirring in order for it to brown.
  5. Serve on soft taco shells with veggies and toppings of choice
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 114Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 318mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g

Nutritional information is for the tofu crumbles, and does not include the toppings or taco shell

Did you make this recipe?

Be sure to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite with your recipe creations!

Tofu Taco Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What is the tastiest way to make tofu? ›

Press tofu and cube it. Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

How to make tofu not mushy? ›

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze.

What can I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

Why won't my tofu get crispy? ›

The key to crispy tofu is to heat the oil in your pan before adding tofu cubes. Coating the pan-fried tofu in corn flour helps create a crispy coating as the cubed tofu cooks in the oil. Another key to getting uber-crispy tofu is removing excess liquid/moisture from it before you cook tofu.

How to get tofu really crispy? ›

Now, you just need to toss your tofu in a little oil (just 1 tablespoon for the full batch), tamari or soy sauce (for some flavor) and cornstarch or arrowroot starch. The starch makes the edges extra crispy and irresistible (I got this idea from The Kitchn).

What to season tofu with? ›

Tofu seasoning rub: Rub the pressed tofu with lots of spices like garlic or onion powder, salt and pepper, nutritional yeast or a spicy taco seasoning, KFC seasoning, Buffalo spice, etc. Tofu marinade: Soak the tofu cubes in your favorite chicken/meat marinade to infuse extra flavor.

Do you put cornstarch before or after marinating tofu? ›

Place the tofu in a baking dish, top with marinade and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Place cornstarch in a medium bowl. Working in batches, remove tofu from marinade (but, don't scrape it off) and toss in cornstarch; shake off excess cornstarch.

How do you get the most flavor out of tofu? ›

Simply press firm tofu and use your hands to break it up by smashing it between your fingers until it mimics the texture of scrambled eggs. Then season with turmeric, black pepper, garlic powder, black salt (for an “eggy” flavor, or use sea salt or Tamari instead), and add in your favorite cooked veggies.

Should I press tofu before marinating? ›

Drain the firm or extra tofu from its package and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Tip: We don't find it necessary to press tofu, but if you like, you can do so. Break the tofu apart with your hands into bite-size pieces and add it to the bowl with the marinade.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

Can we eat tofu and egg together? ›

Yes, you can eat eggs and soya chunks together. Both eggs and soya chunks are good sources of protein, and consuming them together can help meet your daily protein requirements. You can add boiled or scrambled eggs to your soya chunk curry or stir-fry for a balanced meal.

What happens to your body when you eat tofu? ›

Soybeans and soy products like tofu are rich in isoflavones. These flavonoids (plant-based chemicals) help lower your blood pressure and offer other heart-protective benefits. A 2020 study found that people who ate a serving of tofu each week had an 18% lower risk of heart disease than those who didn't.

What should I season my tofu with? ›

Baked Tofu Ingredients

Oil: Olive oil, or whatever your preferred cooking oil may be. Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient that helps make tofu (as well as many other foods) extra-crispy in the oven. Seasonings: I typically just use a mixture of garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper to season my tofu.

References

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